Tub Surround Upgrades Made Easier
Schluter Provides Kit for Waterproofing Tub Surrounds
Installing tile in a tub surround can quickly transform an otherwise ordinary bathroom into a luxurious retreat. It is a simple upgrade that will pay dividends for the homeowner. The process of waterproofing the tub surround before tile installation has just been made easier with the Schluter-KERDI-TUBKIT. The result is a bathroom area that is hygienic and maintenance-free and has a luxurious look that can’t be matched by other materials.
The Schluter®-KERDI-TUBKIT for ceramic tile tub surrounds creates a completely waterproof environment and eliminates the possibility of damaging leaks and mold growth due to moisture penetration. The main component of the kit is a roll of Schluter®-KERDI, a sheet-applied waterproofing membrane made of pliable polyethylene that is covered on both sides with fleece webbing. The KERDI membrane is used to waterproof the walls before the tiles are installed.
The sheet membrane is applied to the walls, using thin-set mortar. A totally watertight system is created by simply overlapping the KERDI by at least 2 inches at all seams, or covering the seams with the strip of 5” Kerdi-Band included in the kit. Tiles are then set directly onto the KERDI with thin-set mortar. This system is not only waterproof, but vapor tight, so ceramic tile tub surrounds can be constructed using standard drywall. Installers and do-it-yourselfers no longer need to use cement board or other specialized tile backers, even in the most demanding situations.
The KERDI membrane sheet and strips in the kit are specifically sized for a standard tub surround, thereby reducing the amount of unused membrane at the end of the job. The kit also includes a tube of KERDI-FIX sealing and bonding compound to create a waterproof seal around the tub flange. This is a particularly vulnerable area for moisture penetration so obtaining a proper waterproof seal where the tiles meet the tub is critical. Other components in the kit are a 4-1/2” mixing valve seal and a ¾” pipe seal to ensure that no moisture can enter the wall cavity where the plumbing fixtures protrude into the shower area.
About Schluter®-Systems
Schluter®-Systems products are specifically designed for the tile industry to ensure that installations maintain integrity and durability. Their product line includes over 4,000 items, including tile trims, uncoupling membranes, waterproof building panels, shower systems, and most recently thin-set mortar. Schluter-Systems is renowned for its state-of-the-art technology with attention to detail for highly functional and visually appealing results.